In a NASA SBIR Phase I, Accudyne Systems, Inc. demonstrated there are two fabrication processes capable of manufacturing large parts without resorting to a costly autoclave. Those two processes are:
- Layer-by-layer E-beam curing
- Thermoplastic fiber placement
Both were chosen because they provide a large normal force to compact the laminate layers during fabrication. This normal force is critical to assure that quality composite microstructure is generated during processing.
Accudyne developed a concept for an innovative Conformable Compaction System (CCS). Using conventional heat sources our SBIR Phase II has been to fabricate, assemble, prove out, and offer for sale a usable CCS for out-of-autoclave fabrication. Once this technology is proven manufacturers will be able to fabricate complex geometry panels without an autoclave.
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